Merchandise ticket printer



Jan. 18, 1938. A. c. lKIRSHNER 2,105,660

MERCHANDISE TICKET PRINTER Filed Feb. 1, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 'T

THEJaHn nom Arthur C. Kirslmer By Jan. 18, 1938. A C, KIRHNER 2,105,660

MERCHANDISE TI CKET PRINTER Filed Feb. l, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2gfx/vento@ Arthur C. Krshner By vJan. 18, 1938. A. c. KlRsHNERMERCHANDISE TICKET PRINTER Filed Feb. l, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 l x l 5 1l I I l I l x L nw'nof, Arthur Kirshner By Hi8 Swann,

Jan.. 1s, 193s. A. C. KlfsHNER y 2,105,660

MERCHANDI SE TI CKET PRINTER Filed Feb. 1, 193e 4 sheets-sheet 4l CASHCHARGE CAS H CHARG E use:

rthur C. Kirshner Hi; (1R01 mi Patented Jan. 18, 1938 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE MERCHANDISE TICKET PRINTER Application February 1, 1936,serial No. 61,921

8 Claims.

This invention relates to a simple and inexpensive type of portablesales record machine which may be carried about by the operator, andwhich is adapted especially for use in connection with systems employingpin tickets or similar price tags usually attached to the merchandise.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a new and novelinexpensive type oi portable machine which will overcome merchantsobjections to larger, and more expensive types of registers and similardevices which occupy a considerable amount of counter space and make itnecessary for the sales clerk to go back and forth from the customers tothe machine to record the sales.

Another object is to provide an inexpensive and efficient sales recordmachine which requires no electric motor, no receipt nor detail paper,and no sales books.

An additional object is to provide a sales record machine which entirelyeliminates the possibility of error where it is usually necessary forthe clerk to read the price from the price ticket on the merchandise andwrite it on the sales book or set it up on the keys of a register.

A further object is to provide a machine which uses the original priceticket placed on the merchandise in the marking room as a medium for thecontrol of the cash.

A still further object is to provide a machine which compels the clerkto detach a stub from the price ticket which is used for the purpose ofkeeping a stock control or perpetual inventory.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a new and novelmachine having a common operating means adapted to operate the selectedone of a plurality of printing and severing mechanisms under control ofan inserted price ticket.

Another object is to provide a portable sales record machine adapted tohave inserted therein a price ticket, print a consecutive number on twoportions of said ticket, print or emboss upon the main body of saidticket the word Paid, sever a portion of said ticket from the main bodythereof, operate an audible signal, and simultaneously therewith depositthe severed portion of said ticket in a receptacle provided for thatpurpose.

A further object is to provide a simple and inexpensive type of salesrecord machine adapted to have inserted therein a price ticket, print aconsecutive number on two portions of said ticket,

print or emboss upon the main body of said ticket the word Paid, sever aportion of said ticket from the main body thereof, operate an audiblesignal, deposit the severed portion oi said ticket in any one of aplurality of receptacles provided for the purpose of classifying thetransactions according to class, department or clerk, and simultaneouslytherewith operate one of a plurality of cash drawers provided for thepurpose of segregating the cash according to the classication of thetransaction.`

With these and incidental objects in view, the

, invention includes certain novel features of construction andcombinations of parts, the essential elements of which are set forth inappended claims and a preferred form or embodiment of which ishereinafter described with referenceto the drawings which accompany andform a part of this specification. y

Of said drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a vertical section view through the left side of themachine, showing the printing and severing mechanism and the operatingmeans therefor.

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a facsimile of the price ticket secured to a piece ofmerchandise.

Fig. 4 is a facsimile of the back of the main body of the ticket, afterthe stub has been severed therefrom, showing the consecutive number andthe word Paid printed thereon.

Fig. 5 is a facsimile of the back of the severed portion of the ticket.

Fig. 6 is a plan View of the upper impression means.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the printing mechanism.

Fig. 8 is a detail side view of the consecutive number printingmechanism. y

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the bell mechanism.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail side View of the device forpreventingoperation of the machine until a ticket is inserted therein.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a modified form of the inventionprovided with two sets of printing and severing mechanisms, both ofwhich are actuated by a common operating means.

Fig. 12 is a detail perspective view of the device in a modified form ofthe invention for preventing operation of the machine until a ticket isinserted therein.

Fig. 13 is aV front elevation of a modified form of the inventionprovided with four sets of printing and severing mechanisms and a likenumber of cash drawers.

Fig. 14 is a vertical cross sectional View of the left sid-e of themachine shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a front view of a portion of the consecutive number printingmechanisms employed in a modiiied form of the invention shown in Figs.13 and 14.

Fig. 16 is a front elevation of a modified form of the invention,showing a machine provided with four sets of printing and severingmechanisms, all of which are actuated by a common operating means.

Fig. 17 is a` vertical sectional view of the left side of the machineshown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a detail rear View of two of the sets oi printing andsevering mechanisms together with the common operating means therefor,embodied in the machine disclosed in Fig. 16.

General description Described in general terms, the present invention incertain of its forms comprises a simple and inexpensive portable type ofmachine for keeping sales records, which machine may be convenientlycarried about by the salesperson, thus eliminating the necessity ofgoing back and forth from. the customer to the machine to record a sale.

This machine uses the original price ticket placed on the merchandise inthe marking room as a medium for the control of the cash and as aperpetual inventory. Th-e price ticket has formed thereto a stub portionwhich is adapted to be severed from the main body thereof by the machineand dropped into a locked receptacle. The price of the merchandise,stock number, etc., are preprinted on both the main body of the ticketand on the stub portion thereof.

When recording a sale, the salesperson inserts the price ticket into themachine and manually operates the same. When the machine is thusoperated, mechanism provided therein prints on the back side of both themain body of the price ticket and on the stub portion thereof aconsecutive number, prints 01 impresses on the back side of the mainbody of the ticket the word Paid, and any desirable identifying symbolsuch as a clerks number, operates an audible signal, severs the stubportion of the ticket from the main body thereof and deposits it in -alocked receptacle provided for that purpose.

The main body of the price ticket remains attached to the merchandiseand is used by the customer as a receipt. In the event the merchandiseis returned for any reason, the Word Paid on the price ticket indicatesthat the sale was properly recorded, and the consecutive number thereonenables checking it up with the stub portion thereof which has beenretained by the store for its record.

At the end of any specied period of time, the receptacle may be unlockedand the stub portions of the price tickets removed therefrom for thepurpose of obtaining the amount of cash for which the clerk isresponsible. These stubs may then also be used for inventory purposes.The key to the locked receptacle is usually in the possession of themanager or any other authorized person.

Means is provided for preventing operation of the machine until it isreleased by the insertion of a price tick-et.

For the purpose of segregating the severed stubs into two separategroups, such, for example, as Cash and Charge transactions, the casingof the machine may be altered to accommodate two receptacles, eachhaving associated therewith a separate printing and severing mechanism,and using a common bell and common operating means therefor. This modiedform of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 11.

Several other modied forms oi the present invention, in combination witha plurality of cash drawers, adapted for use on counters, areillustrated and later described herein.

Detailed description This invention comprises a casing 3U (Figs. 1 and2) having formed in the front side thereof an opening 3l adapted toreceive an insertable price ticket. The casing 30 is provided with aseparate lid 32 which is adapted to be moved downwardly, in parallelalignment with the casing 39, to perform the various functions of themachine.

The means for moving the lid 32 downwardly consists of a pair of handlevers 33 and 3ft (Fig. 1) pivoted together at The hand lever 33 isprovided with a ring liti by which the machine may be hung on a hookmounted in a belt worn by the operator. This also enables the operatorto conveniently carry the machine by placing the forenger through thering 45. One end of the lever 33 is pivoted to the side of an extension35 formed integral with, and projecting rearwardly from, the lid 32,while one end of the lever 3d is pivoted to the side of a somewhatsimilar extension 31 integral with a main frame 43 to which the casing30 is secured. The rear ends of the extensions 36 and 3l' are bifurcatedat 33 and 39, respectively, to coact with studs 43 and 3i carried by thelevers Sli and 33, respectively. The relationship between the levers 33and 3i and the extensions 3l and 3G is such as to form a parallellogram,and therefore the lid 32 will be lowered in a vertical path whenever thelevers 33 and 34 are operated. A spring 42 secured at one end to thelever 34 and at its opposite end to the extension 3B, returns the levers33 and 34 and their associated parts tov their normal positions at thecompletion of the operation.

One type of price ticket which may be used in connection with thepresent invention is illustrated in Fig. 3. This ticket comprises a mainbody 50 (Fig. 4) having attached thereto a stub portion 5l (Fig. 5). Theprice ticket has printed thereon, in duplicate, once on the main body 53and once on the stub portion 5l, the price of the merchandise, serialnumber, and any other desired data. The main body 5i) of the priceticket is fastened to the merchandise 4B in the usual manner. Whenrecording a transaction on the present machine, the stub portion 5i ofthe price ticket is severed from the main body thereof and retained inthe machine, as will be hereinafter described. The main body 5D of theprice ticket remains on the merchandise and serves as the customersreceipt.

The machine is provided with two sets of consecutive number printingwheels E2 and 53 (Figs. l, 7, and 8) which are adapted to print on theback of the inserted price ticket a consecutive number in duplicate. Thewheels 52 print on the main body 53 of the ticket, while the wheels 53print on the stub portion 52 thereof. The purpose of the consecutivenumber is to enable the identification of both the main body 50 and thestub portion 5I oi the ticket at any future time.

The wheels 52 and 53 are mounted upon shafts 53 and 55, respectively,both of which are mounted in a U-shaped auxiliary frame 56 secured tothe main frame 43. The consecutive number printing wheels are of themultiple tined pawl, deep notched transfed type, well known in the artand described in many patents, one of which'- is the patent to ThomasCarney, No. 876,295, dated January '1, 1908. A detailed descriptionthereof will therefore not be given here.

Both sets of wheels 52 and 53 are advanced one step each time themachine is operated. To

insure the simultaneous advancing of both sets of wheels 52 and 53 atthe same time, a common actuating means therefor is provided. Suchactuating means comprises a shouldered plunger 62 (Figs. 1 and 8)mounted in a counter-bored opening 63 in the frame 43. When the lid 32is moved downwardly, during an Aoperation of the machine, a hammer pin64 carried by said lid strikes the plunger 62 and moves it downwardly.The plunger 62 rests on a shoulder 65 of an arm 66 connected by a link61 to a yoke 68 (Figs. 1 and 8) mounted on the shaft 55, while the yoke68 is connected by a link 69 to a yoke 'l0 mounted on the shaft 54. 'Iheyoke 68 carries a multi-tined pawl 1| for actuating the printing wheels53, while the yoke 10 carries a multi-tined pawl `|2 for actuating theprinting wheels 52. A spring 'I3 fast at one end to the yoke 'I0 and atits opposite end to the shaft 55 constantly tends to rock, through thelinks 69 and 61, the yokes 19 and 68 and the arm 66 counterclockwise. Itis thus apparent that when the plunger 62 is moved downwardly during anoperation of the machine, as. above described, the lower end thereofrocks the arm 66 and, through the links 6'! and 69, the yokes 68 and 'i0clockwise, against the action of the spring i3, to advance the wheels 53and 52 simultaneously one step of movement. The spring i3 acts to returnthe parts to their normal positions.

The lid 32 (Fig.v 1) carries platens 80 and 8| for taking imprints fromthe printing wheels 52 and 53, respectively.

The lid 32 also carries a type bar 82 having raised characters whichcoact with a die 83, when the machine is operated, to emboss the wordPaid upon the main body 50 of the inserted ticket. The die 83 ismountedin a bar 81 secured to the U-shaped auxiliaryfframe 56..

Any suitable type of ink ribbon device may b used in connection with thetypewheels 52 and 53 and the platens 80 and 8| for printing upon theback of the insertable price ticket, in dupli` cate, a consecutivenumber.

For the purpose of guiding and properly aligning the price ticket as itis inserted into the machine, there is provided a chute 88 (Figs. y1, 6and 8) screwed to the main frame 43.

The machine is provided with severing mechanism which, immediatelyfollowing the printing of the consecutive number and the embossing ofthe word Paid on the inserted price ticket, severs the stub portion 5|from the main body 50 thereof. When the stub 5l is thus severed from themain body of the ticket, a guide plate |04 formed integral with andprojecting downwardly from the chute 88 guides the severed stub so thatit will drop into a receptacle |20 (Fig. 1) formed inside of the lowerportion of the machine.

The severing lmechanism comprises a stationary knife blade |2| formed onthe bar 8T (Fig. l) and a knife blade 86 carried by the lid 32. When thelid 32 is lowered, during an operation of the machine, the knife blade86 coacts with the knife blade |2| to sever the stub portion 5| from themain body 50 ofthe inserted price ticket.

The machine is provided with an audible signal which is actuated eachtime the machine is operated. This signal consists of a bell 92 (Figs. 1and 9) mounted on top of a bracket 93, the latter being screwed to thetop of the lid 32. Pivoted to the side of the bracket 93 is a belloperating hammer 94. The hammer 94 is normally urged in a clockwisedirection by a spring 95 but is limited in the extent of such movementby a stop 96 formed on the bracket 93. Mounted in an opening 91 in thelid 32 is a hammer operating plunger 98. A shoulder 99 formed on theupper portion of the plunger 98 normally holds the plunger in its normalposition and limits the downward movement of the same. The' left side ofthe plunger 98 is notched to carry a springpressed by-pass pawl |00which is pivotally mounted therein.

When the machine is operated and the lid 32 is consequently moveddownwardly, the plunger 98 moves downwardly therewith, until the lowerend of the plunger 98 strikes the upper side of the frame 43. As the lid32 continues its downward movement the plunger 98 is, through itscontact with the frame 43forced upwardly against the action of a spring|0| coiled around it. As the plunger 98 moves upwardly, a nose |02formed on the pawl |00 coacts with the under side of a projection |03formed on the hammer 94 and rocks the hammer counter-clockwise, againstthe action of the spring 95, until the nose |02 clears the end of theprojection |03, when the hammer 94 is released to the action of thespring 95. The spring 95 immediately rocks the hammer 94 clockwise tostrike and sound the bell 92.

When the operation of the machine is com.

pleted and the lid 32 is returned to its normal position by the spring42 (Fig, l), the plungery 98 (Fig. 9) is consequently moved upwardly outof Contact with the frame 43. This releases the plunger 98 to the actionof the spring 9`| which moves said plunger downwardly to its normalposition. As the plunger 98 is thus moved downwardly to its normalposition, the nose |02 strikes the upper side of the projection |03 and,due to the ilexibility of the pawl |00, wipes past the projection |03and assumes its normal position under said projection.

The machine is also provided with a springpressed locking pawl l l0(Figs. 1 and 10) for preventing operation of the machine when no ticketis inserted therein. This pawl is pivoted to the frame 43 and isnormally urged counter-clockwise by a light flat spring I Il to engage ashouldered portion of the pawl with the forward wall of an opening l2formed in the lid 32. With the pawl ||0 in this position the lid 32 ismaintained in its home position, and it is impossible to operate themachine until the pawl 0 is rocked clockwise by an inserted priceticket. The spring Hl is screwed to the upper side of the frame 43.

When inserting a price ticket into the machine, the innermost edge ofthe ticket strikes the pawl H0 and rocks it slightly clockwise, againstthe action of the weak spring l thereby positioning the pawl I I0directly in line with the opening l2 in the lid 32. It is, therefore,apparent that with the pawl ||0 in such moved position, the lid 32 isfree to be moved downwardly during the operation of the machine.

Access to the receptacle or compartment |20 (Fig. 1) into which thesevered portions of the price tickets are deposited, is gained through adoor ||3 (Fig. 2). This door is held in place at its upper end by a widelug H4 secured thereto The lug H4 and lock bolt overlap the inside edgeof the' casing 3|) and thus hold the door H3 against outward movement.Four lugs H5 secured to the inside of the casing 33 serve to hold thedoor H3 against inward movement. A lock H6 mounted in the door H3prevents opening of the door except by the proprietor' or some otherauthorized person possessing a key to the same.

The above description of the mechanism, although given in mechanicaldetail, has been given in connection with the actual operation of themachine, and since the description is not especially lengthy, it isbelieved that a clear understanding of the operation of the machine maybe had therefrom. Therefore, no further explanation of the operation ofthe machine will be given herein.

M odiyed form of portable machine A modied form of the inventionhereinbeiore described and illustrated is shown in Figs. 11 and 12. Thismodified form is also portable and is especially adapted for segregatingthe severed stub portions of the price tickets according to class,department or clerk.

To accomplish the above mentioned result, a larger casing 30 and lid 32are provided to accommodate two units, each unit comprising two sets ofprinting wheels |40 and I4! (Fig. 12) and a severing mechanism for eachset of wheels, said mechanism being comprised of knife blades like theblades 86 and |21 shown in Fig. 1. Also two receptacles are provided,one associated with each unit, for receiving the severed portions of theprice tickets. Both units are actuated by a common operating meansincluding the levers 33 and 34 of Fig. ll. The machine is provided witha single bell 52 which is operated each time the machine is operated.Two slots 13D and 13| (Fig. 11) are provided in the front side of thecasing 30, one slot being associated with each unit. The

' proper segregation of the severed portions of the inserted pricetickets is determined by which ever one of the slots |35 and |3| thetickets are inserted into.

A latching mechanism for the lid 32 (Fig. 12) is provided in themodified form which is actuated by the insertion of a ticket in eitherone of the slots |30 and |3| to unlatch the common operating means.

Described more in detail, the modified form of this invention employsmechanism of the same type as that illustrated and described inconnection with the preferred form. For instance, instead of using oneprinting and severing mechanism, like that previously described, themodied form is provided with two such mechanisms, both of which areactuated by a common operating means, which is also like thathereinbefore referred to. The same type of bell 92 is employed, whichbell is operated each time the machine is operated. However, the casing3U in this case is provided with two slots |30 and |3|, instead of asingle slo-t 3E, for the purpose of separately printing and severing thetickets according to any particular `(classiiication desired. The casing30 is also provided with two receptacles, like the receptacle E20, (oneof which is associated with each unit), said receptacles having doors|32 and |33, one for each receptacle, for gaining access thereto. Thedoors |32 and |33 are provided with lolcks |34 and |35, respectively,for preventing any unauthorized person from gaining access to thereceptacles.

The latchlng mechanism for the lid 32 comprises two locking paWls |36and |31, like the pawl Hl), secured on a shaft |38. The pawls |36 and|31 on the shaft |38 are mounted in the main frame 43 of the machine inthe same manner as the pawl I0 heretofore described. Whenever either oneof the pawls |36 and |31 is moved to its unlatching position by theinsertion of a ticket into'its respective unit, the other pawl is movedtherewith, thereby releasing the machine for operation.

Each time the machine is operated both of the consecutive numberprinting mechanisms are simultaneously advanced one step so that, eventhough the severed stubs are segregated into two different classes,there will be no two stubs having printed thereon the same number.

The operation of this machine is the same as that described inconnection with the preferred form, except that the classification ofthe transaction is determined by which one of the slots |30 and |3| theticket is inserted into.

Modified form in combination with cash drawers While the principalobject of this invention is to provide a portable hand sales recordmachine, it is not intended to conne'the invention to this one form orembodiment, as it is susceptible of embodiment in various other forms.For instance, a simple and inexpensive sales record machine may beobtained by combining a plu- 'f` rality of ticket printing and severingunits, together with a like number of ticket receptacles, with aplurality of cash drawers. Such a machine would afford a greater numberof classifications of the inserted price tickets, as well as furnishseparate cash drawers for each classification. Such an embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in Figs. 13, 14, and 15.

The modified form of the invention, as shown in the above mentionedfigures, comprises a casing or cabinet |45 having formed in the frontside thereof four slots |46, |41, |48 and |49, which are provided forreceiving the inserted price tickets. Which classiiication the severedportion of the price ticket is to receive is determined by whichever oneof the slots the ticket is inserted into, as will be later described.

Mounted within the casing |45 are four units, each unit comprising aprinting and severing mechanism like that described heretofore inconnection with the preferred form of the invention, one unit beingassociated with each one of the slots |46 to |49, inclusive.

The casing |45, instead of having a movable lid 32 carrying the upperportion of the printing and severing mechanism like that referred to inthe preferred form of the invention, has mounted therein four blocks|53, |5|, |52 and |53 (Figs. 14 and 15), one for each unit, each blockcarrying the upper portion of the printing and severing mechanismcomprising its particular unit.

The casing |45 is secured to two transversely extending frames |54 and|55 (Fig. 14) screwed to the top of a base |56. Mounted between andsecured to the frames |54 and |55 is an auxiliary frame |51 bent to forma plurality of U-shaped sections to provide a support for the lowerportion of the printing and severing mechanism of each of the variousunits.

inasmuch as the printing and severing mechanism of each of the fourunits is identically like that shown and described in connection withthe preferred form of the invention, no further description thereof isthought necessary herein.

Each unit operates independently of the other.

Therefore, separate operating means is provided for each unit. Theoperating means comprises four push buttons |58, |59, and |6| (Fig. 13),one for each unit. The buttons |58 to |6|, inclusive, are each fast tothe upper end of one oi a plurality of plungers |62, |63, |64 and |65,respectively, loosely mounted in openings provided in the upper side ofthe casing |45. A U-shaped frame 566 (Figs. 14 and 15), secured at bothends to the frames |54 and |55, is provided with bearings |61 (Fig. 14),only one of which is shown, through which the plungers slide. Each oneof the plungers is provided with a coil spring |68 which normallymaintains it in its elevated position. Each one of the plungers carriesnear its lower end a pin |69 which normally bears against the under sideof the bearing |61 and thereby limits the upward movement of the plungerby the spring |68.

Each of the blocks |50 to |53, inclusive, is provided with an opening|10 (Fig. 14) to accommodate a driving paw] 11|. Each of these pawls ispivoted at |12 to its respective block and is held out of the path ofmovement of the plunger associated with that unit by a spring |13.Whenever a ticket is inserted into any one of the slots |46 to |49,inclusive, the innermost edge of said ticket strikes the lower end ofthe pawl |1| associated with that unit and rocks said pawlcounter-clockwise to position it in the path of movement of saidplunger. When the operator depresses the .push button and plunger forthat particular unit, the Adriving'connection established by thepositioning of the pawl in the path of movement of the plunger by theinsertion of the price ticket causes the pawl !1| and its associatedblock to be moved downwardly with said plunger toI perform the functionsof the machine.

In order to insure a uniform movement of the block and to properly alignthe same as it is lowered in the manner above described, a lazy tongarrangementA (Fig. 14) vis provided between the block and the sidesupports provided by the bent frame |51 for each unit. inasmuch as thisarrangement is the same for each unit, a description of one unit willsuiiice for all. 'I'he block carrying the upper portion vof the printingand severing mechanism and the stationary sup- .ports provided by thebent frame |51 for carrying the lower portion of lsaid mechanism, areconnected together on one side by two levers |80 and |8|, and on theopposite side by two levers |82 and |83. The levers of each pair arepivoted together at |84. The left hand ends of the levers |80 and |83are pivoted at |85 to the block, while the left hand ends of the levers|8| and |82 are pivoted at |86 to the side supports provided by the bentframe |51. The right Vhand ends of the levers |8| and |82 are connectedtogether by a rod |81 extending through an elongated slot |88 formed inthe block, while the right hand ends of .the levers |80 and |83 areconnected together by a rod |89 extending through a pair of elongatedslots |90 formed in both of the side supports provided for that unit bythe bent frame 51. It will be obvious that when the block is lowered inthe manner above described, the slots |88 and |90 will permit parallelmovement of the levers |80 to |83, inclusive, and at the same time suchlevers will perform the function of controlling the uniform movement ofthe block and maintain it in proper alignment.

After the operation of the machine is completed, the coil spring |68returns its associated push button and plunger to their normal elevatedpositions. The corresponding block and the levers |80 to |83, incl., arereturned to their normal positions by a spring |9|, one end of which issecured to the left hand end of the block and the opposite end is fastto the rod |81.

The lower portion of the casing is provided with four separatecompartments or receptacles, each like the receptacle |20 described inconnection with the preferred form of the invention, one of saidreceptacles being associated with each one of the four units, forreceiving the severed stub portions of the price ticket inserted intoeach one of their respective units.

The casing is provided on its front side with four doors |91, |98, 699and 200, one for each of the above mentioned receptacles, for ,gainingaccess to the receptacles. The doors |91 to 200, inclusive, are eachequipped with locks 20|, 202, 203 and 204, respectively, for preventingany unauthorized person from gaining access to the receptacles.

Enclosed in the base |56 (Fig. 13) are four cash drawers 2|0, 2| 2|2 and2|3, one of which drawers isassociated with each unit. Whenever any oneof the units is operated in the manner above described, the cash drawerassociated with said unit is operated. The mechanism for operating thecash drawers will now be described.

Associated with the cash drawersl (Fig. 14) are y a plurality of latches2|4 (only two of which are shown), one for each cash drawer.

' to the upper end of the latch and the opposite end is secured to theframe |55. Screwed to the rear side of each cash drawer is a drawerkeeper 2|8, the rear end of which is shaped in the form of a hookto'engage the lower end of its associated latch 2|4, thereby holding itsrespective cash drawer in its closed position against the action ofanexpulsion spring 2|9r fast to the rear side of the base |56.

Screwed to the frame |55 (Fig. 14) are a plurality of brackets 222 (onlyone of which is shown), one for each cash drawer. Pivoted to each one ofthese brackets 222 is a lever 220 (only one of which is shown) forreleasing the latches 2M. When such latches are released the cashdrawers are moved to their opened positions by means of the springs 2|9.The rear end of each lever 220 is located directly beneath a stud 22|carried by each of the latches 2|4, while the forward end of each lever220 is connected to the block of its associated unit by a link 223. Itis, therefore, apparent that whenever any one of the push buttons |50 toi6| is operated and the block associated therewith is lowered, the lever220, through the link 223, is rocked counter-clookwise.

Such counter-clockwise movement of the lever 220, through the rear endof such lever coacting with thev stud 22| carried by its associatedlatch 2 I4, raises the latch 2 I4 to release the cash drawer to be movedto its opened position by its associated spring 2 |9. The drawers aremanually returned to their normal closed positions in the usual manner.

A brief description of the operation of this machine will now be given.As previously stated, this machine is capablel of providing fourdifferent classifications of the severed portions 5| of the insertableprice tickets. Such classification -consists .of segregating the severedportions of pOSe.

the tickets according to whichever one of the slots |46 to |49,inclusive, the tickets are inserted into. Insertion of a ticket into anyone of the above mentioned slotsfpositions the pawl 1| associated withthat particular unit in the path of its corresponding plunger.Depression of the push button corresponding to the unit into which theticket has been inserted moves its associated plunger downwardly tocontact the pawl and move said pawl and its associated block downwardlyto advance the consecutive number printing wheels one step, print theconsecutive number in duplicate on the back of said insertable ticket,embcss the word Paid on the main body of the ticket, sever the stubportion from the main body of the ticket and deposit it in thereceptacle provided for that pur- At the same time, through themechanismabove described, the cash drawer associated with the operatedunit is released.

M odijed form A further modified form of the invention is disclosed inFigs; 16, 17, and 18. The machine thus illustratedv isl adapted to notonly segregate the severedV stub portions of the inserted price ticketsaccording to salespersons but to also segregate such stubs of eachsalesperson according to Cash and Charge transactions. Therefore, onlytwo cash drawers are provided, one for each salesperson operating themachine. Each time a price ticket is inserted into the machine and themachine operated, the cash drawer corresponding tothe salespersonperforming such operation is released, regardless of whether thetransaction is Cash or Charge.

This'machine is similar to the machine disclosed in Figsj 13, 14, and15, heretofore described, inthatthecasingthereof is provided with fourslots into which the price tickets are inserted, the classification ofthe inserted ticket being determined byV whichever one of the slots itis inserted into. Likewise, a separate unit, comprising a printing andsevering mechanism like that illustrated and described in connectionwith the preferred form of the invention, is provided in connection witheach one of said slots. Also, there is provided four receptacles forreceiving the severed portions of the inserted price tickets, one ofsaid receptacles being associated with each unit. The receptacles areeach provided with a locked door for gaining access thereto. It is,therefore, thought unnecessary to give a further description of suchmechanism herein.

The present modified form of the invention, however, provides a commonoperating means for all four of said units. The machine is constructed,however, so that only the unit associated with the-slot into'which aticket is inserted is operated. This operating means will now bedescribed in detail.

A push button 230, fast on the upper end of a plunger 23| slidablymounted in a bearing 232 carried by a U-shaped frame 233, is providedfor operatingy the machine. The U-shaped frame 233 is like the framel'heretofore described. A coil spring 234 wound around the plunger 23|normally maintains the plunger' in its elevated position. A pin 235carried by the lower end of the plunger 23| normally bears against theunderside of the bearing 232 and thuslimits the extent of upwardmovement given to the plunger by the spring 234.

Whenever the push button 233 and plunger 23| are manually depressedduring an operation of the machine, thelower end of the plunger 23|strikes the end of an arm 236 and rocks it clockwise. The arm 238 issecured to a shaft 231 journaled at each end in bearings 238 (only oneof which is shown) carried by the frame 233. Also fast on the shaft 231are four driving arms 23S (Figs. 17 and 18), only two of which areshown, one of said arms for operating each ticket printing and severingunit. Thus, when the arm 23|` is rocked clockwise in the manner abovedescribed, the shaft 23'! and the arms 239 are rocked clockwisetherewith, against the action of a torsion spring 240 wound around theshaft 231, one end of which spring is fast to the frame 233 and theopposite end to the lower edge of the arm 235.

Each one of the four ticket printing and severing units is provided witha driving pawl 24|. The pawls 24| are like the pawls HI, heretoforedescribed, both in construction and operation. The pawls 24| arenormally maintained in an ineffective position by springs 242 (only oneof which is shown) holding the upper ends of such pawls out of the pathof movement of the arms 239. Whenever a ticket is inserted into any oneof the slots associated with the various units, the innermost edge ofthe ticket strikes the lower end of the pawl 241| associated with suchunit and rocks said pawl counter-clockwise, against the action of thespring 242, to position the upper end thereof in the path of itscorresponding arm 23S. With the pawl 24| thus moved to its effectiveposition, the arm 23S corresponding thereto, during itscounter-clockwise movement, will strike the upper end of said pawl andmove it downwardly to actuate said unit. The function of this type ofunit has been previously described herein and therefore will not befurther discussed here.

As previously stated, the present machine is provided with only two cashdrawers, each drawer beingv associated with two of the ticket printingand severing units. Each cash drawer is operated when either one of itscorresponding units is operated. The means for releasing the cashdrawers is' of the same construction as that illustrated in Fig. 14 andheretofore described, except that each cash drawer latch carries a pin243 which is adapted to be actuated by either one of the latch operatinglevers 229 associated with the two units corresponding to said drawer.It is. therefore, thought unnecessary to give a detailed description ofthis mechanism. However, the differences in construction will bedescribed.

Referring to Figs. i7 and 18, each unit is provided with a train ofmechanism identical with that shown in Fig. 14 and includes a block |5|,link 223 and latch operating lever 220. By referring to Fig. 18 it willbe seen that the links 223 are arranged side by side and the latch 2|6for each drawer is located between the links 223. 243 which protrudesfrom each side of the latch 2|@ and into the path of the latch levers220. Thus, the insertion of a ticket into either one of the A slots orinto either one of the B slots will condition the corresponding unit foroperation by the push button 230. The operation of the push button 230,through the pawl 24|, block |l, link 223 and lever 22B will raise thelatch 2 I6 to release the desired one of the cash drawers.

Since the operation of this machine is the saine` as that given inconnection with the modified form illustrated in Figs. 13, 14, and 15,except that a common operating means is here provided for all of theunits, no detailed description thereof is thought necessary.

The latch 2|6 is provided with a long pin` While the mechanisms hereinshown and described are admirably adopted to fulfill the objectsprimarily stated, it is to be understood that it is not intended toconne the Iinvention to the forms of embodiment herein disclosed, for itis susceptible of embodiment in various other forms all coming Withinthe sign of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine of the class described, the combination of an insertableticket; a plurality of printing mechanisms; a common operating meanstherefor; and a plurality of members normally preventing operation ofsaid means, said members adapted to be moved by the insertion of saidticket into the machine in relation to any one of said printingmechanisms to release said operating means for operation.

2. In a machine adapted to receive an insertable ticket, the combinationof a plurality of l' units, each unit comprising a ticket printing andsevering mechanism; common operating means therefor; and means normallypreventing operation of said operating means, said means adapted to bemoved by the insertion of said ticket into the machine in relation toany one of said units to release said operating means for operation.

3. In a machine adapted to receive an insertable ticket, the combinationof a plurality of units, each unit comprising a ticket printing andsevering mechanism; common operating means therefor comprising a pair ofcompressible levers; and means normally preventing operation of saidoperating means but adapted to be moved by the insertion of said ticketinto the machine in relation to any one of said units to release saidoperating means for operation.

4. In a machine adapted to receive an insertable ticket, the combinationof a plurality of units, each unit comprising mechanism adapted to printin duplicate on an inserted ticket and sever a stub portion from themain body thereof; a plurality of receptacles, one associated with eachunit for receiving the severed portions of the tickets operated on byits corresponding unit; operating means for said units; and meansnormally preventing operation of the units by said operating means, saidmeans adapted to be moved by the insertion of a ticket into the machinein relation to any one of said units to render said operating meanseffective to operate the unit.

5. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a hammerblock; a manipulative means to actuate the hammer block; an interponentcarried by the hammer block and normally disconnected from themanipulated means; insertable means to connect the interponent to themanipulative means; and a linkage means to support and guide the hammerblock in a straight path.

6. In a machine adapted to receive insertable tickets, the combinationof a plurality of units, each unit including mechanism for printing induplicate on an insertable ticket and severing a stub portion from themain body of the ticket; a plurality of receptacles, one associated witheach unit, into which are deposited the severed portions of the tickets;common operating means for said units; and a plurality of members, oneassociated with each unit, normally disconnected from said operatingmeans, each of said members adapted to be moved by the insertion of aticket into the machine in relation to its respective unit to connectits respective unit to the common operating means.

'7. In a machine adapted to receive insertable tickets, the combinationof a plurality of units, each'unit including mechanism for printing induplicate on an insertable ticket and severing a stub portion from themain body of the ticket; a plurality of receptacles, one associated witheach unit, into which are deposited the severed portions of the tickets;a common operating means normally ineffective to operate said units; anda plurality of members, one associated with each unit, each of saidmembers adapted to render the operating means effective to operate theunit associated therewith.

8. In a machine adapted to receive insertable tickets, the combinationof a plurality of units, each unit including mechanism for printing induplicate on an insertable ticket and severing a stub portion from themain body of the ticket; a plurality of receptacles, one associated witheach unit, into which are deposited the severed portions oi the tickets;a common operating means normally ineffective to operate said units; aplurality of members, one associated with each unit, each of saidmembers adapted to render the operating means effective to operate theunit associated therewith; and an insertable ticket to actuate themember associated with the unit into Which they ticket is inserted.

ARTHUR C. KIRSHNER.

